Formula One has signed a ten-year agreement with beIN Sports to be exclusively broadcasted across Türkiye and the Middle East, North Africa (MENA) region.
The multi-year deal will run until 2033 and cover 25 markets in MENA and Türkiye with beIN showcasing every F1 race weekend, including Grand Prix’s, Sprint Events and Practice Sessions.
Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula One, said: “Since Formula 1 first raced in Bahrain in 2004, we have seen the growth of a passionate fanbase in the Middle East who love to go racing.
“With beIN, we have found a partner who elevates the broadcast experience and creates best-in-class programming that delivers against our mission to showcase the drama and spectacle of Formula One for our fans at home.”
With F1 set to be broadcasted on beIN Sports channels and through its live streaming platform TOD, the two parties will also work alongside each other to develop localised content to gain a better gauge of its MENA and Türkiye audiences.
Yousef Al-Obaidly, CEO of beIN Media Group, added: “We are delighted to see the return of Formula One live and exclusively on beIN across 25 countries spanning the MENA region and Türkiye.
“beIN continues to be the undisputed home of sport across MENA and Türkiye, with Formula One the centrepiece of our incredible portfolio. We look forward to creating thrilling Formula One experiences for millions of fans and growing a new generation of followers through exciting regional content and innovative broadcasting.
“This deal is also testament to the fantastic long-term success and continued ambitions of beIN Media Group as one of the leading sports, entertainment, and media groups in the world.”
The MENA region specifically has been a key market for the F1 over the past decade, with four race weekends taking stage in the region, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
F1 states that over half a million fans from these four countries attended Grand Prix’s last year with the MENA region boasting one of the youngest and most diverse fanbases aged under 35, with more than 50% of new fans in MENA following the sport in the last four years.
Ian Holmes, Director of Media Rights and Content Creation at Formula One, concluded: “With four races and a rapidly growing fanbase, demand for Formula 1 in the Middle East and Türkiye is at an all time high. In recent years, beIN has established itself as one of the leading sports broadcasters in the world, offering fans unparalleled coverage across its sports portfolio.
“We look forward to working with them, utilising their extensive production capabilities in Doha, to continue to elevate F1’s broadcast programming and create tailor-made content that engages fans in the region and encapsulates the drama and excitement of Formula One.”
